Arden Key, Uchenna Nwosu draft fits for New York Giants DC

It’s rare for an NFL franchise to have success without a pass rush.

The New York Giants have hoisted four Lombardi Trophies, in large part, due to their ability to get after the quarterback. From Lawrence Taylor to Michael Strahan to Justin Tuck, Big Blue has had no shortage of dominant pass rushers over the years.

But in 2017, New York’s pass rush was non-existent. The G-Men finished the year tied for the league’s third fewest team sacks (27).

Newly appointed general manager Dave Gettleman addressed his team philosophy when taking over New York’s front office last month, via the Giants’ team website.

"“At the end of the day, it’s the same three things you had to do in ’35 that you got to do now in 2018. You got to run the ball. You got to stop the run. You got to pressure the passer. Everywhere I’ve been and with the great teams that I’ve been associated with – those were three very big staples.” New York Giants GMEN HQ 0d - 4 NY Giants who must step their game up in 2023 More headlines around FanSided: 1d - This SEC CB at No. 25 overall for the Giants is gaining steam 1d - When is the NFL Draft? 1d - NY Giants mentioned as 'best fit' for former Pro Bowl CB fans would love 1d - 3 best NY Giants LB targets remaining in free agency 2d - NY Giants may not be done playing Ezekiel Elliott twice a year after all More News at GMEN HQ"

Pressure The Passer

The Giants need to get back to pressuring the passer in 2018. They could look to add some youth to their pass rush come April.

Big Blue has already heavily invested in Jason Pierre-Paul and Olivier Vernon. But they were the only players on New York’s roster to record at least five sacks in 2017. The two finished the year with a combined 15 sacks.

New York’s ownership is hoping new head coach Pat Shurmur and defensive coordinator James Bettcher can restore the franchise’s once-dominant defense.

Bettcher led the Cardinals to three consecutive top six defenses in terms of yards allowed during his tenure as Arizona’s defensive coordinator. He’s known for running a 3-4 base defense, but also used a nickel defense and ran multiple sub-packages during his time in the desert.

The Cardinals recorded a league-high 48 sacks under Bettcher in 2016 and amassed a total of 121 sacks in three seasons. The Giants, on the other, recorded just 85 sacks during that span.

Arden Key An Ideal Fit

While Bettcher will look to get the most out of JPP and Vernon, the 2018 NFL Draft will provide a great opportunity for New York’s new defensive coordinator to add a pass rusher or two that fits his system.

LSU’s star pass rusher Arden Key and USC outside linebacker Uchenna Nwosu are two potential options that could fit nicely in New York’s new defensive scheme.

Key could be an ideal fit. The 6-foot-6, 265-pound prospect can play both defensive end and outside linebacker at the next level, but could easily be off the board by New York’s second-round pick.

The Giants are highly unlikely to spend the No. 2 overall pick on a pass rusher, but it might be foolish to pass up on Key if he is somehow around at the start of the second-round.

The Tigers outside linebacker struggled with injuries and has had some off-field question marks. But he’s also a rare talent with the potential to blossom under Bettcher and veterans Vernon and Pierre-Paul.

In three seasons in Baton Rouge, Key amassed 129 tackles, 24.5 tackles for a loss, 20 sacks, and three forced fumbles.

Key’s ability to play both outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense and defensive end in a 4-3 front at the next level is sure to boost his draft value. He is currently projected to be a first to second-round draft selection by most draft analysts.

NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah and Bucky Brooks both have the LSU prospect going in the first-round of their mock drafts. But Lance Zierlein and ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper both didn’t include Key in the first-round of their respective mock drafts.

Nwosu A Potential Steal

Big Blue’s pick at No. 2 and free agency will determine New York’s mid-round needs. But Nwosu could prove to be a steal in the right system.

The Trojans 6-foot-2, 245-pound prospect is best suited as a pass rusher in a 3-4 defensive scheme. He has the talent to play outside linebacker in either front though. USC’s senior linebacker led all draft-eligible edge defenders in quarterback pressures in 2017.

Nwosu also has the ability to drop in coverage and is far from a finished product, according to one NFC scout.

"“He didn’t play until late in his high school career and he’s only started for the last two and a half years at USC. I guess you could argue it either way, but I think he’s worth a pick on day three because we haven’t really seen what he’s going to be yet.”"

Nwosu is currently projected to be third to fourth-round draft selection. He could easily make an impact as a rotational pass rusher behind Vernon and Pierre-Paul.

Over the past two seasons, Nwosu recorded 128 tackles, 19 tackles for a loss, 12.5 sacks, 18 passes defended, and one interception.

The Giants have a decision to make with Devon Kennard in free agency this offseason. But pairing Nwosu or Key with Avery Moss as backup pass rushers should only elevate New York’s defense in 2018.

Both prospects fit in Bettcher’s defensive scheme and have the potential to develop into full-time starters down the road.

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